Blasting To The Masses From An Apocalyptic Machine: Black Needle Noise’s “That Which Watches”

Continuing his prolific and astounding collaborative Black Needle Noise project of releasing videos and singles featuring different vocalists from around the world, legendary producer/artist John Fryer has released his latest single “That Which Watches,” a track featuring the dark and moody baritone vocals of Antic Clay. This track is accompanied by stark sepia-toned and antique styled visuals that compliment the song’s darkly pierced lyrics.

“That Which Watches” takes the listener down a dimly lit and guilty path, leaving no room for redemption. Antic Clay, who wrote the lyrics and as well as adding his deeply haunting vocals and slide guitar to the track, says: “My first impression when I heard John’s instrumental track was that its crackling opening strums and lo-fi piano clunks sounded like they were struggling to rise from some devastated electric saloon. Then the thing explodes into this sweeping and epic theme, blasting to the masses from an apocalyptic machine. I felt it had to go in that direction – something grand and dark haranguing you from the ancient pulpit. Not judging you; but assuring you, you’ll be judged. That which watches. Wants to be played loud.”

For those who do or don’t know, Fryer is a multi-platinum selling record producer and musician. Starting in 1980 at London’s Blackwing Studios, he worked for some of the most prestigious indie labels at the time like 4AD, Mute, and Rough Trade.

He has produced and worked with many influential artists for which the list is both extensive and impressive including: Cocteau Twins, Depeche Mode, Wire, NIN and Love And Rockets. Fryer was also a long-standing member of Ivo Watts-Russell’s This Mortal Coil and has had his own bands over the years including DarkDriveClinic, Muricidae, Silver Ghost Shimmer and now Black Needle Noise.

Recently, Black Needle Noise also released the three-track 7” vinyl single “I Am You.” Featuring vocals by Dr. Strangefryer on the industrial-leaning title track, the single also features Bill Leeb (Front Line Assembly, Delirium) on “A Shiver of Want” and Tara Busch on “Under My Skin.”